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General discussion

Modem Disconnect

Aug 21, 2007 7:47AM PDT

My parents have an HP Pavilion laptop running XP with 512MB RAM. I have finally gotten them to switch over to a DSL connection, but we're having some problems.

After installing the Verizon DSL software, the computer was able to connect and ran just fine; however, after turning it off and then resuming work a half-hour later, it was unable to connect.

I went through this cycle several times, and found that by turning the modem off and then back on the problem would be cured. I called Verizon to find out why we had to do this; they ran checks on their line and said everything was fine from their end, that the problem was at our end in the computer.

Diving into the problem a little further, I found that the problem was caused by the network interface card releasing the address after about 20 minutes. I called HP, went through three workarounds with them (flashing the BIOS, reinstalling the NIC, and resetting TCP/IP) all to no avail.

I now have the laptop at home, connected to my cable gateway; and it works just fine! Either through an Ethernet connection or wireless, it is running like a champ. I can shut down for any amount of time and be guaranteed that the laptop will connect the next time I start it up.

My questions: What is the difference of being connected via Ethernet to a modem or to a router/switch?

Would the easiest solution to this problem be in just buying a wired/wireless router or switch to connect between the DSL modem and the computer? This is what makes sense to me.

Thanks in advance for all replies!

Telly

Discussion is locked

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Telly tell all.
Aug 21, 2007 8:41AM PDT

Sorry but a few details are missing. Such as make/model and how things are connected. It's also important to know if the users are into P2P use, Limewire or other.

With the missing details, the answer is not here.

Bob

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It's all in the details...
Aug 21, 2007 9:34AM PDT

Bob (and all)-
The DSL modem was supplied by Verizon, it is a Westell 6100; laptop connects to it via Ethernet.

The NIC is by National Semiconductor (DP83815/816) (the newest driver available for it has already been installed).

I'm using a Linksys WCG200 cable gateway (combination modem router in one box) here at home. The laptop works connected via Ethernet or wireless (b) to this box.

The use of the laptop is strictly for checking email using Outlook and surfing via IE.

The laptop (HP Pavilion ze5730us) is running XP SP2.

Anything else?

Thanks,
Telly

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My neightbor had that model.
Aug 21, 2007 9:46AM PDT

It recently died. But the issue could be the firmware is out of date and it's a little painful to find the newest. Also they had only WEP encryption so the neighborhood had someone that knew how to get around that.

Moving to WPA cured that issue and the new router firmware helped stability.

Later a lightning strike in the area damaged the 6100 and I loaned them my old dsl modem and router till Verizon sorted it all out. There was no other way to get that fixed but let Verizon spend the hours.

At least with the loaner they could stay online until Verizon caved and replaced the Westell.

Bob

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So...
Aug 21, 2007 11:39AM PDT

do you think if I connect a wireless router to that modem I'll have better luck with the computer not forgetting who/what it's connected to? Or, would I be better off just getting a different DSL modem? Do DSL modems have a MAC address that must be submitted to Verizon?

I have a good handle on things cable-wise, but DSL not so much.

Thanks.

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The Westell 6100 modem/router uses
Aug 21, 2007 12:13PM PDT

the ip address of 192.168.1.1

So did my wireless router.

You may have to change the ip address in the Linksys router to something like 192.168.7.1 so they don't conflict.

Like Bob said

update the firmwaqre in the Linksys Router
Use WPA Personal security

Don't use anything else.


Rick

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Maybe I wasn't clear
Aug 21, 2007 7:27PM PDT

but the laptop works fine when connected to the Linksys router.

A question remains: Besides being able to connect multiple computers, is there any other advantage to connecting this laptop to modem-router combination vs. just to the modem itself? Is there an inherent difference in the Ethernet connections of the modem vs. the router?

I'm trying to solve the problem of the computer releasing its address everytime it shuts down; it doesn't do this when hooked up to my wireless router, but it does when hooked up just to a DSL modem.

Thanks.

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That's normal.
Aug 22, 2007 2:36AM PDT

By adding the router it keeps the connection alive on the dsl modem. Since a router is cheap compared to any service call I'm calling that a good fix.

The issue, if as you say it is will not find a cure.

Bob

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Thanks, Bob
Aug 22, 2007 7:23PM PDT

for your insight and advice! I figured the modem that Verizon "gives" you when you subscribe is not of the greatest quality.

Router will be purchased and installed this weekend...

Telly